Ride bright

The majority of crashes between motorists and bike riders occur because the motorist didn’t look for the bike rider. One of the easiest ways to be seen is to wear light and bright visible clothing. Bright light, fluoro or hi-vis clothing with reflective straps and lights makes you much easier to spot and avoid.

Helmet Safety

Price and brand is not necessarily an indication of safety or performance, so don't blow your whole budget on just a helmet. Instead look for a helmet that fits well, is comfortable to wear and complies with Australian Safety Standards.

Ride to return this winter - Rider Safe Returning Rider Course

07 July 2017

Following a recent increase in motorcycle fatalities and the full effects of a wet winter beginning to be felt, the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) is issuing an important road safety reminder - ride to return this winter.

“All nine of these deaths have occurred since March, a significant loss of life in such a short period of time,” said Mr Hanton.

The increased risk of injury of death for motorcyclists is serious and anything that can improve a rider’s safety is strongly encouraged.

“As the wet weather begins it is important for all motorcyclists to make sure they are riding to the conditions and wearing the right protective clothing.

“Whether you ride a scooter or a motorbike, good quality, protective gear is a must. It can mean the difference between a minor injury and one that prevents you from riding ever again.

“Many riders believe a helmet and protective jacket is enough, however covering your whole body in quality protective gear is the best way to reduce injury in a crash.

“If you are a returning rider, resist the urge to wear your old gear. It’s likely your helmet and the rest of your riding gear may not be as safe as what is available today,” Mr Hanton said

Whether through protective clothing, or increased skills and education, motorcyclists should do all they can to lower their crash risk and ride to return.

The Rider Safer Returning Rider Course costs $116 and is run through the Department for Transport, Planning and Infrastructure (DPTI). Further information can be found at mylicence.sa.gov.au or by calling Rider Safe on 1800 018 300.

“There is no pass or fail component to the course, it is designed to teach and refresh riding skills, techniques and awareness and could be the difference between avoiding a crash, serious injury or even death on our roads,” Mr Hanton said.

Remember or be remembered

South Australian motorists are being asked to be vigilant and to remain conscious of the risks we face behind the wheel, following a rapid increase in deaths on South Australian roads.

This weekend, the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) ‘remember or be remembered’ campaign will return to South Australian airwaves. The campaign that last aired in October, 2015 - a devastating month on the roads with 19 fatalities.

The emotive campaign urges drivers to remember the road rules, or risk being remembered as a road fatality.

This weekend, SA Police (SAPOL) are launching Operation Distraction, targeting drivers using mobile phones. Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times.

Following a record low road toll in 2017, South Australia’s road toll is currently at 63, compared to 52 at the same time last year.

For the first half of 2017, our road toll remained lower than the previous year, however July was a horror month with 12 fatalities (compared to just 4 in July 2016). So far in August we have seen another 12 fatalities.

However, we have seen a substantial reduction in serious injuries, with nearly 100 less serious injuries year-to-date.

Fatalities so far this year have been evenly split between country and metro areas.

Motorcycle deaths have been particularly high at 12, compared to five at the same time last year. Pedestrian deaths have also been high with 10, compared to four at the same time last year.

More than 75% of fatalities this year have been male. Nearly 20% of those who have lost their lives have been over the age of 70.

Road Safety Minister Pete Malinauskas said

"The past two months have been utterly tragic, with a shocking increase in road fatalities.

The loss of life has to stop, and we have to pull together as a community to ensure that this number doesn’t continue to rise.

Sadly, we continue to see deaths and serious injuries that could have been avoided. Driver behaviours such as excessive speed, failure to wear a seatbelt, disobeying simple road rules and inattention have all led to deaths on our roads.

Within the tragedy, the reduction in serious injuries is a positive and shows that many people are doing the right thing.

We are pleading with all road users to take the upmost care on the roads, and stop the senseless loss of life."

MAC Road Safety Communications Manager, Matt Hanton said

"The majority of South Australians are doing the right thing, taking responsibility and making smart, safe choices when behind the wheel.

Unfortunately we continue to see a small minority of motorists, not following the rules, not wearing a seatbelt, driving with excessive speed, while distracted and under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

It is these instances that end fatally, causing tragic, immeasurable losses of real people, with real families."

Careers at MAC

Current Vacancies

Claims Advisor

The Motor Accident Commission (MAC) is South Australia's leader in road safety behaviour change and education, and is dedicated to the safety of all South Australian road users.

MAC is also responsible for the management of Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claims for crashes that occurred prior to 30 June 2016.

A key advisory role is now available within MAC's CTP function which contributes to driving claims initiatives and the oversight of MAC's Claims Manager

Reporting to the Manager, CTP, responsibilities will include:

Participating in the implementation of key claims management initiatives.

Undertaking contractual formal audits.

Identifying emerging scheme risks and issues, including making recommendations for risk mitigation strategies.

Preparing reports, such as audit outcomes.

Experience & Skills:

Demonstrated experience in analysing and interpreting business controls, processes, procedures or systems.

Experience in interpreting insurance claims data.

Excellent problem solving skills, time management and attention to detail.

Strong ability to work effectively in a small team environment, including developing working relationships with stakeholders.

A detailed job and person specification can be downloaded hereor requested via email.

Applications must address and demonstrate your experience, aptitudes and skills against the specification's Essential Minimum Requirements. Please forward your letter of application (no more than two pages), together with a current resume, to Jacqui Cole, HR Admin Officer at Jacqui.cole@sa.gov.au.

Applications close Friday, 22 September 2017.

MAC's Workplace

MAC comprises a diverse mix of people forming a cohesive work environment that embraces new ideas and strategic thinking.

Staff are given the opportunity to continually develop their skills and knowledge to help MAC realise its vision and mission.

MAC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks highly motivated and result-oriented people who display the characteristics of our core values.

Our Values

Focused: We strive to achieve planned outcomes in all our activities by an approach to work that is:

Ethical – being honest and fair

Diligent – being hardworking and attentive

Efficient – being professional and well organised

Innovative – being forward thinking and creative

Accountable: We are responsible for our actions and delivering on our promises

Teamwork: We make teamwork work by recognising individual talents and being considerate of fellow staff members and partners.

Pride: We take pride in our contribution to MAC for the benefit of South Australian road users.